Voters Support Limited Gaming on Indian Lands

In November 1998, by a vote of 63% - 37%, Californians overwhelmingly supported Proposition 5, a statute initiative that would have enacted tribal-state compacts. Though supported by the voters, the Hotel Employees and Restaurant Employees brought a suit against the validity of Prop. 5. Most of the measure was ultimately struck down by the California Supreme Court, thereby jeopardizing Indian gaming tribal self-sufficiency.

On March 7, 2000, by a vote of 65% - 35% margin, Californians overwhelmingly supported Proposition 1A, a constitutional amendment that authorized federally recognized Indian tribes to operate slot machines, lottery games, and banking and percentage card games on Indian lands in California, in accordance with federal law.

In November 2004, by a vote of 84% - 16%, Californians overwhelmingly rejected Proposition 68, a ballot measure that would have authorized slot machines in 16 California card rooms and racetracks.

In February 2008, by a vote of 56% - 44%, Californians upheld four amended tribal-state compacts with the Agua Caliente, Morongo, Pechanga, and Sycuan tribes after an attempt to overturn them by the Hotel Employees Restaurant Employees through the referendum process.